Common Sense with Bari Weiss $5 / month

Common Sense with Bari Weiss critiques contemporary issues impacting society from the perspectives of free speech, scientific inquiry, and cultural shifts. It explores themes around gender dysphoria, debate censorship, autism, personal values, public controversies, mental health, political correctness, scientific skepticism, cultural identity, historical context, and societal purpose.

Free Speech and Censorship Gender and Identity Education and Debate Health and Science Cultural and Social Issues Mental Health Politics and Public Opinion Historical and Cultural Identity Personal Values and Purpose Science and Skepticism

The hottest Substack posts of Common Sense with Bari Weiss

And their main takeaways

WATCH: This Muslim Israeli Woman Is the Hope of the Middle East

3111 implied HN points • 12 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Media Israel Middle East Conflict Diversity
  1. Lucy Aharish is the first Arab Muslim news presenter on mainstream, Hebrew-language Israeli television.
  2. She is an iconoclast who challenges societal norms by being an Arab, a proud Israeli, and a Muslim married to a Jew.
  3. Lucy Aharish has been vocal in her criticism of far-right voices, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and Arab violence, emphasizing unity between Israelis and Arabs.

Trump’s TikTok Flip-Flop. A Weed Debate. Another Presidential Contender.

1252 implied HN points • 13 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Bipartisanship Media Control
  1. The House of Representatives is voting on legislation to force ByteDance to sell TikTok due to concerns over Chinese Communist Party control, leading to an unexpected political divide.
  2. The debate over cannabis legalization includes concerns about health risks associated with marijuana use, such as an increased risk of heart attack and stroke.
  3. There are bipartisan efforts in the House to address the threat of foreign propaganda and data control by the Chinese Communist Party through TikTok, with legislators pushing for a forced sale of the platform.

They’re Black Democrats. And They’re Suing Chicago Over Migrants.

4549 implied HN points • 23 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Local Policy Community Election Lawsuit
  1. Some residents in Chicago are feeling angry and betrayed by Democrats they helped elect, who pushed to turn a neighborhood park into a shelter for migrants. This has led to a sense of neglect and frustration among the community.
  2. There is a belief among some black residents in Chicago that the city is more focused on welcoming and providing resources to newly arrived migrants than to addressing the needs and poverty in their own community.
  3. Cata Truss and other residents took legal action to prevent a neighborhood park from becoming a migrant shelter, highlighting the importance of fighting for community spaces and resources.

How Abortion Became ‘the Defund the Police of the GOP’

1623 implied HN points • 05 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Republicans Election
  1. Americans in different states are showing disagreements with their party's approaches to social issues like pro-life legislation.
  2. There is a notable shift in American politics, with individuals reconsidering their party allegiance based on specific issues.
  3. Personal experiences and conflicts with political decisions are leading some voters to reevaluate their support for specific candidates.

TGIF: Taylor vs. Trump

3700 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Military Border control
  1. America responded to an Iran-backed militia drone strike by approving strikes against Iranian targets in Iraq and Syria to show military might.
  2. Biden surprised many by stating he would shut down the U.S.-Mexico border due to record-breaking migrant encounters, including individuals on the FBI terror watch list.
  3. One strategy to reduce coverage is to release important information on a Friday afternoon, as seen with the delayed release of December's border patrol data.
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TGIF: This Means War

5402 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Border Health Crisis Foreign Policy Political Figures
  1. There are concerns about communication between top government officials during critical moments, such as the defense secretary's hospitalization.
  2. RFK Jr. is surprisingly gaining favor among Americans amidst the dislike towards Biden and Trump, potentially shaking up the 2024 election scene.
  3. Nikki Haley is making a significant impact in New Hampshire polls, while the border crisis at the Texas-US border is escalating and stirring public frustration.

TGIF: TimHouthi Chalamet

4771 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Media Coverage Terrorism
  1. Trump's victory in Iowa solidifies his frontrunner status for the Republican nomination and next presidency.
  2. Media outlets like CNN and MSNBC are choosing not to air Trump speeches, leading to speculation about their declining relevance.
  3. The Biden administration has classified the Houthis as terrorists, given their violent actions in the Red Sea.

TGIF: Soldiers of the Resistance

4103 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Border Security Immigration Governors
  1. Biden and Texas are in a standoff over border fencing, with the Supreme Court ruling in Biden's favor due to immigration being a federal issue.
  2. Governor Abbott of Texas declared the border crisis as an invasion, leading to a major escalation and support from other Republican governors.
  3. Senator John Fetterman emphasized the need for a secure border, highlighting the challenges with a large number of migrants entering the country.

A Super Tuesday for Donald Trump

1502 implied HN points • 06 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policy Legislation Media Government
  1. Primary voters chose Trump and Biden, indicating a desire for a rematch, despite other challengers trying to offer alternatives.
  2. Nikki Haley's supporters continued to back her financially even when it became clear that her campaign wasn't successful, demonstrating loyalty and belief in her message.
  3. Across the Western world, new hate speech laws threaten freedom of speech, with Ireland, Canada, and Britain considering strict legislation.

Why This Berkeley Professor Is Sleeping in His Office

1085 implied HN points • 14 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Protests Antisemitism Higher education
  1. Ron Hassner staged a sit-in protest in his UC Berkeley office to address rising campus Jew-hatred due to inaction by the administration.
  2. There was a violent incident at UC Berkeley involving pro-Israel and pro-Palestine groups, leading to campus tensions and fear among Jewish students.
  3. Hassner's demands to the university include keeping Sather Gate open, issuing apologies to disrupted speakers, and providing staff with Islamophobia and antisemitism training.

Rob Henderson: The Three Adults Who Abandoned Me

2147 implied HN points • 19 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Memoir Social Issues
  1. Rob Henderson's life story, from abandonment to academic success, has deeply influenced his insights on social issues like class and culture.
  2. Luxury beliefs are ideas that confer status on the upper class and can negatively impact the lower classes, according to Henderson's observations.
  3. Henderson's journey from a troubled childhood to academic achievement sheds light on the challenges faced by those in foster care and the importance of education in breaking such cycles.

Coleman Hughes on the New Racism

2517 implied HN points • 13 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Race Leadership International relations
  1. Coleman Hughes advocates for a return to color-blind ideals in addressing race issues, which contrasts with current prominent black intellectuals.
  2. President Biden is facing concerns about his age and capability to run for a second term, with a high percentage perceiving him as too old for the role.
  3. There are proposals for encouraging newer and better Palestinian leadership, especially in Gaza, by ensuring reconstruction aid is channeled effectively and used to empower a new elite.

EXCLUSIVE: Public Schoolers Are Paid $1,400 a Pop to Become Social Justice Warriors

1307 implied HN points • 07 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Education Debate California
  1. An activist group in California is paying public high schoolers to learn about social and racial justice, funded by taxpayers, causing controversy
  2. The Free Press is hosting live debates as an alternative to the traditional presidential debates, with the upcoming topic being whether America should close its borders
  3. The movie industry hopes 'Dune: Part Two' will revive Hollywood, but the film's success at the box office doesn't necessarily mean it will bring in a new era of actors with the same impact as previous stars

WATCH: American Miseducation. A New Documentary from The Free Press

3232 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Protests Ideology Youth Education
  1. There has been a rise in pro-Palestinian protests in New York City, targeting iconic institutions like the Rockefeller Christmas tree lighting ceremony, Memorial Sloan Kettering's Cancer Center, the American Museum of Natural History, and the U.S. Holocaust Museum.
  2. Some of the protesters express anti-Semitic sentiments and comparisons, advocating for the liberation of Palestinians but often resorting to derogatory language against Israelis, using terms like Zionist, settler-colonialist, and occupier.
  3. There is concern about the influence of ideologies like decolonization and intersectionality on American campuses, leading to sympathy towards terrorism among the Gen Z population, highlighting a shift away from the pursuit of truth in academia.

What Should We Do About the Crisis at the Border?

1038 implied HN points • 12 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration
  1. The crisis at the southern border is causing more discord over what action to take.
  2. Immigration remains a top concern for voters in the upcoming presidential election, with a consensus that the system is broken.
  3. A live debate in Dallas on April 11 will feature discussions on shutting U.S borders, involving prominent figures in the domain.

Children of the Revolution

1850 implied HN points • 22 Feb 24
🚌 Education Cancer Research AI Technology
  1. Teaching Black History Month to kids through a Black Lives Matter coloring book has sparked controversy and concerns among parents regarding the content being taught in schools.
  2. The importance of teaching actual black history, like the stories of the Tuskegee Airmen, as opposed to contemporary political ideologies in schools.
  3. The issue of fraud in cancer research highlights the lack of transparency in data sharing within the scientific community, leading to questions about the integrity of medical research and the need for more stringent protocols.

Gen Z’s Sexual Apocalypse. The Case for Marriage. And: Is It Time to Ditch the Apps?

2207 implied HN points • 14 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Dating Relationships Marriage Gender Dynamics Self-Improvement
  1. There is a growing political divide between young men veering right and women leaning left, complicating dating and relationships.
  2. Consider ditching dating apps and try more traditional methods like asking for setups from friends or striking conversations in real life.
  3. Getting married can lead to a happier, more prosperous, and more meaningful life, despite common myths about relationships and career choices.

Violent Rioters at Berkeley. In Defense of Self-Driving Cars. Richard Lewis, RIP

1456 implied HN points • 29 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech National Security Political Figures First Amendment Comedy
  1. Maintaining the distinction between speech and violence is crucial in civil society.
  2. Self-driving cars are safer than those driven by humans and can help reduce the high number of road deaths.
  3. Texas A&M decided to shut down its Qatar campus due to national security concerns related to the school's relationship with Qatar and its ties to groups like Hamas and Iran.

‘If I Die, They’re Dying with Me’

1446 implied HN points • 28 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Justice Security Government Privacy Free speech
  1. Iraq combat veteran Kristofer Goldsmith leads a team of veterans targeting neo-Nazi terrorists in the US, facing numerous threats and dangers in his line of work.
  2. Google's AI chatbot Gemini has caused controversy by producing absurd and morally questionable responses, highlighting concerns about biased politics influencing tech products.
  3. College student Jack Sweeney has stirred debate by tracking celebrities' private jets on social media, facing legal actions from figures like Taylor Swift and Elon Musk, prompting discussions on privacy, free speech, and data in the digital era.

The Normies Will Save the World

1738 implied HN points • 21 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Policies Politicians Voters
  1. Some prominent figures in American politics seem to show more support for tyrants and terrorists than for democracy.
  2. Most Americans are invested in and personally consider conflicts like the Israel-Hamas war, the Ukraine-Russia war, and tensions between China and Taiwan as important to U.S. national interests.
  3. The majority of Americans hold strong views against Chinese communism, Russian dictatorship, and Islamist terrorism, supporting the notion that America and the West are forces for good.

Things Worth Remembering: The Woman Who Captured Russia’s Pain

2949 implied HN points • 28 Jan 24
💾 History World War II Cold War
  1. The historiography of World War II has shifted to highlight the significant sacrifice on the Eastern front, bringing a more balanced perspective to the contributions of all parties involved.
  2. The opening and closure of Russian archives in the 1990s, along with the translation of Vasily Grossman's works, helped reveal the full extent of the Russian sacrifice during the war.
  3. Russian artists played a crucial role in recording and reflecting the Soviet experience during the Second World War, preserving a vital part of history.

The Assassin’s Veto

2448 implied HN points • 06 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Assassination Public Figures Royal Family Threats Speech
  1. Public figures face serious threats from extremists, leading to a chilling effect on free speech.
  2. President Biden seems too busy to engage in debates, raising questions about his approach to media interaction.
  3. Investing in education should prioritize core skills like reading and math, rather than controversial ideologies.

Free Subscriptions for College Students

1752 implied HN points • 19 Feb 24
🚌 Education College Free speech Independent Journalism Critical Thinking
  1. Free speech is crucial for a free society and intellectual growth, but is often viewed as political in the current era.
  2. Campus culture sometimes discourages questioning and different perspectives, leading to fear of being judged for holding alternative views.
  3. Reading independent journalism and engaging in conversations can inspire critical thinking, challenge beliefs, and empower individuals to speak up for what they believe in.

The Three Adults Who Abandoned Me—And Taught Me Life’s Most Important Lesson

1660 implied HN points • 20 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Addiction Mental health Physical health Well-being
  1. Rob Henderson shares his heartbreaking childhood and the impact of abandonment from three adults in his life.
  2. Fentanyl epidemic in America is causing record-high overdose deaths, impacting people across all backgrounds.
  3. Concerns about Biden's age and the Democrats' shift in attitude towards his ability to run for reelection are becoming more openly discussed.

The Trouble with ‘Murder at the End of the World’

3083 implied HN points • 20 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Feminism Literature Social Commentary
  1. In the show _A Murder at the End of the World_, the protagonist Darby Hart stands out as an unexpected detective due to her age and gender.
  2. The series aims to deliver feminist messages and social commentary, but some viewers find it heavy-handed and lacking originality.
  3. The portrayal of Darby as a young, attractive amateur detective solving a mystery challenges traditional crime genre conventions, but some viewers question the believability and depth of her character.

EXCLUSIVE: Public Schoolers Are Paid $1,400 a Pop to Become Social Justice Warriors

969 implied HN points • 07 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social justice Education Activism Antisemitism Inclusivity
  1. An activist group in California has been paid by a school district to provide equity and leadership training to students and teachers.
  2. The activist group pays high school students to participate in their programs, which are focused on marginalized youth.
  3. Some teachers and parents have concerns about the group's influence and messaging, seeing it as propagandistic and potentially harmful to students' education.

Democrats Are Praying for an Open Convention

830 implied HN points • 11 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Democratic Party Political strategy
  1. Many Democrats believe Biden is doomed in the upcoming election due to his age and current polling numbers.
  2. There is a desire among some Democrats for an open convention to bring forth a younger and more dynamic nominee to lead the party.
  3. Several potential candidates, including governors and Senators, are being considered to replace Biden, with varying levels of enthusiasm and skepticism.

Things Worth Remembering: Breaking Bread with the Dead

2207 implied HN points • 04 Feb 24
📚 Literature Poetry Authors Reading
  1. Seamus Heaney had a remarkable ability to extract deep meanings from poetry with his intricate analysis.
  2. Heaney's mind was likened to a cathedral - able to resonate and echo with profound depth and complexity.
  3. When given the chance for private discussion, Heaney's brilliance and poetic insight were truly remarkable.

Weekend Listening: The Real Team America

2026 implied HN points • 03 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Defense Terrorism National Security Leadership
  1. There is growing concern over potential conflicts involving the U.S., China, Russia, and other nations, which could escalate into a global war.
  2. Many Americans, including influential figures like business leaders and journalists, are investing in innovative defense technologies to strengthen national security.
  3. Innovation in software is seen as crucial for modern defense, enabling the development of advanced weapon systems and vehicles with AI and autonomous capabilities.

Why Is The American Right Pandering to Putin?

1544 implied HN points • 15 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Foreign Policy Documentary
  1. Some members of the American right are supportive of Tucker Carlson's friendly chat with Vladimir Putin, yet critics see it as pandering to an enemy of democracy.
  2. Despite concerns about Biden's age and Trump's foreign policy remarks, some argue that Biden's experience and Trump's stance on NATO could be reasons for their support.
  3. A documentary based on the book 'The Coddling of the American Mind' by Lukianoff and Haidt is being turned into a feature film, backed by Substack, probing into rising mental health issues and illiberalism among young Americans.

The First Post-Woke Designer

1451 implied HN points • 17 Feb 24
🪞 Fashion & Beauty Fashion Design Love
  1. Young adults are making waves in various fields - like fashion and AI technology
  2. Think outside the box when it comes to dating and be open-minded to connect with different people
  3. Making personal changes for the greater good, like trying to reduce meat consumption, can impact your way of life in meaningful ways

Can This Death Row Inmate Bring Down the Death Penalty Itself?

2160 implied HN points • 30 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Justice System Legal system Prison System Political Influence
  1. Richard Glossip's case highlights flaws in the justice system, sparking a broader conversation about the death penalty in Oklahoma and the potential risk of innocent individuals being executed.
  2. The involvement of high-profile figures and bipartisan support in the fight for Glossip's case showcases the complexities and potential injustices within the legal system.
  3. Glossip's story portrays the power of hope and human connection in the face of adversity, emphasizing the impact of personal relationships and faith during times of struggle.

Free Press Investigations Get Results

2735 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Gaza Conflict Foreign influence Academic Freedom
  1. DEI initiatives are being scaled back and in some cases shut down in various states, leading to significant reform efforts in higher education
  2. An imam in Gaza who was kidnapped by Hamas was successfully released due to public pressure and challenges to Hamas' legitimacy
  3. A New York City school apologized for removing Israel from a map, sparking discussions on bias, hate, antisemitism, and foreign influence in education

Amanda Knox: Watching Gypsy Rose

2916 implied HN points • 13 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture True Crime
  1. Gypsy Rose Blanchard's case has become a huge industry in the true crime world.
  2. Clauddine "Dee Dee" Blanchard, the mother of Gypsy Rose, faced significant consequences.
  3. There is popular subscription-based content available on this topic.

NYU Professor Tells Students of Hamas Atrocities: ‘We Know It’s Not True’

2351 implied HN points • 25 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Censorship
  1. U.S. troops are facing attacks from groups backed by Iran, showing a disconnect between official statements and the reality on the ground, leading to responses like airstrikes targeting Iranian-backed militias.
  2. Investigation shows bias in school libraries with a focus on progressive books, prompting debate on offering a balanced selection that includes different political perspectives.
  3. Antisemitism is on the rise, highlighted by instances like a NYU professor praising Hamas, emphasizing the importance of education and remembrance to combat Holocaust denial and distortion.

The Truth About Banned Books

2694 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Education
  1. The issue of book bans in schools is more complex than portrayed by the media, with concerns of one-sided narratives rather than outright bans being highlighted.
  2. School libraries in the US often lack books offering diverse viewpoints, with higher availability of books promoting progressive ideas compared to conservative ones.
  3. Access to a variety of viewpoints is crucial for fostering critical thinking and understanding different perspectives among students, helping bridge societal divides.

It’s Over, and It’s Trump

2364 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Government Media Justice Entertainment
  1. Nikki Haley's campaign faces challenges after falling short in New Hampshire, signaling potential struggles ahead.
  2. Trump's resurgence in popularity and the GOP's lack of understanding contribute to his strong position for the 2024 presidential race.
  3. New poll data shows immigration as a top voter concern, impacting President Biden's favorability ratings.

Things Worth Remembering: The Art of Nostalgia

2810 implied HN points • 14 Jan 24
📚 Literature Poetry Nostalgia Art
  1. It's common for people to look back nostalgically, especially during difficult times, but it's important to be wary of falling into the nostalgia trap by selectively remembering only the good.
  2. Resisting the nostalgia trap becomes even more challenging when reflecting on one's childhood or early adulthood.
  3. Philip Larkin's ability to find special meaning in the past and turn it into art highlights the value of interpreting our memories creatively.